First Wedding, Advice needed..

Hi all,

I've somehow got roped into doing a friends wedding, I declined at first saying that its not my bag and i don't have the right gear. They said don't worry you'll be fine you've got a good camera.
So twisted arm I reluctantly agreed and said don't expect to much but i'll give at a go.
The wedding rehearsal took place last night so I went along to have a look at the church. A bit gloomy was my first impression. Then talking to the bride and groom they come up with what sort of shots they want and i'm thinking in at the deep end or what.
Took a few shots and out of about 60 shots didn't get anything I would consider usable
The weddings tomorrow!!

Took using my 40d ef-s17-55 f2.8 at 2.8 iso 400

Here's a few just converted on canons dpp software no post processing done or cropping.

If you can give me some tips on settings so i can try and get a few half decent shots of their big day..

1 Back of the church where they will sign the register, I've been given a spot on the right of this frame to shoot during the ceremony.
at 18mm 1/40 f2.8 iso 400

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Redirected to error image by FLICKR

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Redirected to error image by FLICKR

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Redirected to error image by FLICKR

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Redirected to error image by FLICKR

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Redirected to error image by FLICKR

I wouldn't use flash as much as possible. Too distracting for a solemn ceremony; and it looks like you have enough light to document the event.

1/40 f2.8 ISO400 translates to 1/80 ISO 800 or even 1/160 ISO1600.

You could also gain another stop by using faster lenses (If you had an 85 1.8 it would translate to 1/80 ISO 400 1.8)

If you don't have access to any additional gear, here are a few suggestions:

- don't be afraid to use high ISO. just clean it up later in post. there's no use in having a slower shutter speed and even though the IS will help with camera shake, it won't help with subject movement. Shoot in ISO1600 if you have to.

- on camera flash with an omnibounce gives harsh, unflattering shadows. avoid it. remove your flash altogether.

- you're probably shooting for free, and the couple probably doesnt care much about photos (not as much as you do, at least). you don't have to make their jaws drop; all they expect is decent documentation of their wedding day. they shouldn't expect professional results if they didn't hire a professional.

- tungsten indoor lighting mixed with sunlight from the windows will mess up their skin tones. you'll probably have to convert to B&W or find the best compromise with your WB.

- just relax and have fun. we know you want the best photos possible for the couple but the truth of the matter is that you're not well equipped. the sooner you accept this, the sooner you'll find a way around it. there's no use getting frustrated over not having the gear you want. shoot with what you have and make it work.

- find interesting compositions and lines and colors AFTER you've taken the necessary shots. don't try to get creative until you've got the normal shots down. i'm sure they wouldn't want to miss the kiss, the rings, and the walks.

get some sleep, and good luck tomorrow!

My recommendation would be to keep your camera at >= 800 ISO. Even if that means you're shooting at 1/320 when you're at f/2.8 I think it's worth it, because when you suddenly put on a longer focal length lens, or are shooting from an angle with less light, you probably don't want to be fidgeting back and forth with ISO. Give yourself the latitude to do different things whilst guaranteeing safe(r) shutterspeeds.

I would not introduce flash into this ceremony. It seriously does distract from the couple and their special moments. Consider using it for fill for the entrance / exit, but seriously, you have enough light here so that you don't need flash for the ceremony itself.

Shoot more from the side that gives you the best view of and light on the bride--a good general rule, I'd say.

Good luck !

Another obvious thing. Look at your second shot. What is the subject here ? If it is (will be) the guests, you didn't expose very well. It looks like you exposed for the church & window. If you're using an auto mode, definitely use compensation; and in general try to peek once in a while at your exposures for confidence.

Ceremony sites often don't ALLOW flash during the ceremony between processionals.

You will be forced to either use flash during processionals or push ISO to 1600 since you don't have any faster lenses.

Thanks for the reply's and advice.

Consider the flash off camera and bag in the bag..

f1.8 would be nice but as you say i've got got to work with what i've got. I know its the light i need so i'll up the iso to 800/1600 depending on what light is available tomorrow.

I'm happy shooting in manual.

What would be the best metering mode to use in that sort of setting? I used Evaluative for the test shots, also is it worth changing any in camera settings like the picture style etc?
For wildlife shots i tend to us center point and spot metering AI Focus.
I take it i'll need to re enable noise reduction in C.Fn II-2 as i ont need high burst shooting.

I've got my 70-200 f4 which i might put on once we get outside after the group shots.

Thanks again for your reply's I appreciate your time.

Hopefully I'll get some sleep tonight and get a few nice shots tomorrow.

Regards Phil

Thanks Form,

There's no pros on this shoot.
I've got free usage except during the vows but I'm going to leave it off and make the best of what light I have.
I dont get much joy from flash anyway so best to simplify I think.

Regards Phil

Also is it worth me doing a custom WB in church before the ceremony and are there any custom functions that could be tweaked to ease on on pp after.

I know there are others who would disagree, but I wouldn't use custom WB here only because in order for it to be useful you'll have to shift it every time you shift to a different perspective of shooting (e.g. shooting from in front of them if can vs. shooting from the aisle will obviously require different custom balances because of the window. Myself--I wouldn't want to fidget with this during a live shoot.

I'd use the custom function that allows you to use the back button to maintain where the focus is. It lets you bang of several shots without worrying about whether or not your focus point caught something else between shots.

So, you've been told that you have to stay in one spot? Luckily the church is pretty narrow but man, that just sucks having to stay in one spot for the whole ceremony. Looks like you're pretty close to the action though.

It's good that you went with your gear so you can get a basic idea of what to expect. The problem with that 40D is if you don't get the right exposure at ISO 800 you're going to have some grainy photos. Stay away from ISO 1600 if you can. That's a guaranteed grainy mess.

As far as flash during the vows, you could have an "oops" moment and get one flash photo during the vows. I think every photographer in your situation has done this at one point in their life. In fact, the woman that shot my wedding told me about that trick.

@OP: surely you're not stuck at that spot near the front--you can move back down the aisle, no ?

Well not much sleep for me last night.

No the Vicar is realy nice and said I can go where ever I like. He said most stand in that spot during the ceremony. Its about 6 feet from the action.

Do you guys keep on taking shots althrough the ceremony hymns, prayers etc or do you limit the shooting somewhat to avoid disturbance?

I can move about freely I think but as a complete amature I'm worried about moving around to much the being in the wrong place.

Cheers Christopher I appreciate your comments

Thanks cameraman,

I hope light allows max 800, I'll have to wait and see. The ceilings to high to get any bounce with my on camera flash so i,m thinking leave it off then i've got less to get wrong..

The vicar said a I could if I had too but prefered none during the vital bit..

There is another wedding taking place at the same church this morning, would it be worth asking the vicar if I could sit through it at the back to get some idea of what goes on during the ceremony?

Also would i be better switching the IS off and using a tripod?

Tripods can get in the way especially if you're not used to using one. You might be able to get away with a couple shots from the tripod if you keep it in one spot. Just attach the camera to it when you're ready to use it. The pull the camera off when you're ready to move to another location.

I'd say forget the tripod and try and work with the fast shutter speeds.